Uyghur Identity and Culture: A Global Diaspora in a Time of Crisis (Studies in Migration and Diaspora)

Uyghur Identity and Culture brings together the work of scholars, activists, and native Uyghurs to explore the history and growing challenges that the Uyghur diaspora face across the globe in response to shifting government policies forbidding many forms of cultural expression in their homeland.The collection examines how and why the Uyghur diaspora, dispersed from their homeland to communities across Australia, Central Asia, Europe, Japan, Türkiye, and North America, now has the responsibility to preserve their language and cultural traditions so that these can be shared with future generations. The book critically investigates the government censorship of Uyghur literatures and Western media coverage of the Uyghurs, while centralizing real reflections of those who grew up in the Uyghur homeland. It considers the geographical and psychological pressures that the Uyghur diaspora endure and highlights the resilience and creativity of their relentless battle against cultural erosion.Uyghur Identity and Culture is a key contribution to diaspora literature and calls to attention the urgent need for global action on the ongoing human rights violations against the Uyghur people. It is essential reading for those interested in the history and struggles of the Uyghur diaspora as well as anyone studying sociology, race, migration, culture, and human rights studies. Cover Endorsement Page Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of Figures List of Tables List of Contributors Series Editor Preface List of Abbreviations Chapter 1: Introduction: Maintaining Cultural Identity in a Changing Political Landscape A Brief Recent History of the Uyghur Region Introduction to Uyghur Issues Uyghur Diaspora and Overview of Relevant Literature Chapters in This Book Notes References Part I: Cultural Erosion and Identity Chapter 2: Promoting, Then Censoring Uyghurness in PRC Uyghur Language Cookbooks, 1984–2021 Background on Uyghur Food Writing Subtle Resistance in the Uyghur food and drink culture Series Books, 2007–2015 The “Lost Mustache” Phenomenon Newfound Sensitivity Toward Markers of Ethnic Identity Conclusion Notes References Chapter 3: Uyghur-Chinese Mandarin Code-Switching and Government Censorship in an Online Show: Anar Pishti Introduction Language Shift in Xinjiang A Brief Contemporary History of Xinjiang Language Policies Implemented in Xinjiang Education Since 1949 Theoretical Background Censorship Censorship and Its Effect on Language Code-Switching and Its Relationship with Social Identity Data Analysis Code-Switches Independent Variables Quantitative Analysis CS/Min by Season CS Type Comparison CS Direction Comparison Discussion of Quantitative Analysis CS Frequency in Season 3 CS Frequency in Season 6 Qualitative Analysis Change of Language Use Environment and Character Changes Other Changes Final Discussion Results of Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis Code-Switching and Language Shift Creative Choice The Target of Censorship Conclusion Notes References Chapter 4: Lost in Different Scripts Lost in Different Scripts Notes Part II: Cultural Resilience and Identity Chapter 5: A Transnational Perspective on Uyghur Cultural Maintenance and Preservation Introduction to Challenges for Uyghur Cultural Maintenance Background on Uyghur Communities in Exile by Country of Residency Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Türkiye Middle East Europe and Australia The United States and Canada Challenges for Cultural Maintenance, Preservation, and Continuity Language Preservation Sustaining Cultural Communities Creating Transnational Uyghur Cultural Spaces The Challenge of Resources Conclusion References Chapter 6: Role of Teaching Uyghur Language in Shaping Cultural Identity of Children of Uyghur Diaspora Language and Cultural Identity Children of Uyghur Diaspora Role of Teaching Uyghur Language Notes References Chapter 7: “It is So Painful Not to Have a Country”: Challenges and Dilemmas of Uyghur Immigrants in Canada Introduction Theoretical and Methodological Perspectives and Considerations Findings Becoming More Conscious about Uyghur Ethnic/National Identity Expressing a Stronger Commitment to the Islamic Faith Placing More Emphasis on the Link Between being Uyghur and Muslim Quest for Recognition as a Nation Conclusion Notes References Chapter 8: Freire’s Critical Literacy as a Tool for Public Pedagogy in Uyghur Diaspora Cyberspace: A Case Study of Two Uyghur YouTubers Introduction Theoretical Framework Critical Literacy and the Uyghur Diaspora Methodology Context Process Ethical Considerations and Researcher Positionality Findings Challenging the Boundaries of Languages: Centering the Oppressor’s Language Challenging the Boundaries of Minkaomin Versus Minkaohan: Overcoming Divisions Inside the Oppressed Community Challenging Religious Labels: Refusing the Identities Assigned by Media Discussion and Implications Conclusion Notes References Part III: Politics and Identity Chapter 9: Survivor Guilt among Uyghurs in the Diaspora Introduction A Brief Background of Current Uyghur Issues Contextualizing Survivor Guilt Survivor’s Guilt among the Uyghur Diaspora Intimidation The Impact on Students Conclusion Acknowledgments Note References Chapter 10: Family or Freedom: The Changing Landscape of Uyghur Diaspora Activism Introduction Early Uyghur Diaspora Activism Uyghur Activism in Europe and the US Limited Participation Breaking the Silence from 2017 New Activists, New Solidarities Personalized, Family-Focussed Activism Released Relatives Conclusion Notes References Chapter 11: Türkiye’s Official and Public Response to the Uyghur Issue Türkiye as a Host State for Uyghurs: Uyghur Diaspora Settlement and Mobilization Efforts Recent Political Developments in Xinjiang (East Turkestan) Türkiye’s Official and Public Response to Developments in Xinjiang Since the July 5th Ürümchi Events Conclusion Note References Chapter 12: Conclusion: Ensuring the Resilience and Vitality of Uyghur Lifeways and Language in Diaspora Challenge: Survivor’s Guilt and Hesitation to Celebrate Culture Challenge: The Marginalization of Uyghur Language Challenge: Lack of Economic (and Other) Incentives to Maintain Lifeways and Language Challenge: Host-Country Audiences and Markets Challenge: Lack of Funds Index